ABSTRACT
The word family is laden with imagery. For some, it brings to mind warm, supportive thoughts – scenes of chatty dinners, laughter-filled holidays, and comforting embraces. Although the images evoked by the term family vary widely, they tend to have one thing in common: They are based on, formed, and maintained through communication. This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the methods that researchers use to study family interaction. It includes material on underrepresented families and make note of the unique hurdles that individuals in these families face as they move through life. The book offers a comprehensive synthesis of recent literature on mate selection, courtship processes, and relationship development. It looks at the distinctive characteristics of midlife. The book also looks at the influence of divorce and single parenthood on children using a risk and resiliency approach.
